Plus size women struggle with what to wear that will make them
feel comfortable in their plus size clothes. Every woman who
wears plus sizes would be trendy and fashionable if she new how
to find BBW clothes that fit right. We see a lot of
misinformation about what clothing a plus size woman should
wear. Most of that fashion advice is about hiding or covering
your flaws. Forget it!!! You have assets! Show them off!

Hourglass Figure - Also called X Shape, Curvy

You have a curvy, feminine figure. Your shoulders and hips are
balanced. Look for soft flowing fabrics. Princess cut dresses
and wrap or faux wrap dresses will work for you. Try belted
knits (avoid tight knits). Skirts that have gathers and hip
yokes will flatter you. You can wear straight leg, flared leg
and cropped pants. Look for jackets that create a vertical line
that curves in at the waist.

Rectangular Figure - Also called H Shape, I Shape, and
Straight Shape

If you are a full waist, flat hip type you will want to look at
straight or vertical lines that curve in at your waist. Your
ability to wear a straight vertical look is your asset. Straight
Skirts are your friends. You can wear jackets any length. You
also want to look for jackets that curve in at the waist to give
you body definition and the illusion of a waist. Even though
your waist may not be as small as you would like it to be,
princess cut in any garment will give your waist definition and
great body fit without creating a horizontal line at your waist.
In pants, you want to look for tapered and somewhat tapered
legs. Pants with comfort waist or a small amount of elastic
allows you the room for your waist/tummy without having to buy
larger pants that bag out in the derriere.

Apple Shape - Also called O Shape, Circle Shape or Round
Shape

If you are very round or full in the middle of your body with
slim legs, you know you have difficulties finding plus size
clothes that fit. Your focus needs to be to create a long
vertical look. Tunic tops are your friend. You can wear plus
size tunics over straight skirts or tapered pants. Long
necklaces and shoes with heels will help you to elongate your
look. Wear long jackets, but avoid stiff and boxy fabrics. Don't
be afraid of slinky fabrics, but do avoid clingy fabrics. If you
are a petite apple shape you need to look at plus size petites.
Luckily, designers have suddenly discovered plus size petite
clothes and you will see lots of them coming out. If you are a
plus petite woman and wearing tops out of proportion, you will
just make yourself look bigger.

Pear Figure - Also called A Shape, Triangle Shape

If you are a flared hip type, you may see a lot of advice about
wearing jackets that cover your hips. This jacket choice creates
a horizontal line that goes around the widest part of your body.
Instead of accenting your hips with a horizontal line, accent
you wonderful waist with a jacket that cuts in at your waist and
flairs out and ends somewhere between your waist and hips. This
plus size jacket length will accent your small waist, give you
great body fit and definition and your hips will become a
non-issue. What to wear under your body fit jacket? Bias cut
skirt (never a straight skirt - it will never fit right), Pants
with plenty of darts and a small amount of elastic in the waist
- zippered on the side or front. Straight legged pants are your
best bet. Avoid too tapered pants as they will accent the width
of your hips.

Plus size women have fitting issues if they don't know which
styles work on their body types. When you find plus size pants,
for example, that fit you perfectly - buy, buy, buy. Buy them in
different colors and multiples of the color you are most likely
to wear often. I am not suggesting you wear the same pants
everyday. I am suggesting that if you buy in bulk on 5 or 6
different pants that fit you like a glove, you will be much
happier with your plus size wardrobe.

About the author:

Jane Belle Clark is an expert on dressing by body type. She is
the author of Plus Size Bridal Guide, the only bridal guide
written for plus size brides.